Latest news with #RingofKerryCharityCycle
Irish Independent
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
See photos of riders and volunteers at start of ‘most successful' Ring of Kerry Cycle 2025
Though the many participants of the 180km event did not enjoy ideal weather all the way along the route, the vast majority battled through to complete the testing cycle. They were rewarded for their efforts as the home stretch back to Killarney was soaked in glorious sunshine, and riders were greeted by music and celebrations at the Beech Road car park. This year's event was dedicated to the late Paddy O'Donoghue (78), who died in a road collision last month while cycling in Kilgarvan. Mr O'Donoghue had been a fierce supporter of the cycle since it was established and participated in the event a total of 39 times. The late Mr O'Donoghue rode the event for many charities, as did the participants of this year's cycle. Among those who did the event this year were Olympic gold medalist Sonia O'Sullivan, who was riding for Breakthrough Cancer Research, and Anto 'Butch' Cronin, who took on the route on a penny-farthing to celebrate his 50th birthday. Eithne Murphy, from Castleisland, rode the Ring in aid of the Irish Kidney Association, the original beneficiary of the event. Ms Murphy cycled in gratitude for the kidney transplant her father and grandfather of five, Ted Murphy who lives in Gneeveguilla, received 12 years ago. Popular Killarney woman Bernie O'Sullivan (80), who has volunteered with the Irish Kidney Association since the first Ring of Kerry Cycle in 1982, crossed the finish line of the event on a novelty bicycle that was ridden around the route by a charity volunteer. The final amount raised by all the cyclists will be revealed at a special presentation in October. Cathal Walshe, Ring of Kerry Cycle PRO, told The Kerryman that organisers hope that at least €1 million has been raised for Irish charities by the participants of this year's event. Mr Walshe said experienced riders at the event told him that it remains the best charity cycle in the country. ADVERTISEMENT 'They said nothing comes close to the Ring of Kerry Cycle,' he said. 'And they were so well catered for by the line of food in Cahersiveen, Kenmare and Killarney on the way back that people actually put on weight rather than losing it!' Mr Walshe thanked the roughly 1,200 volunteers who were involved in road safety, catering and more, whose help was crucial to running such a successful event. 'It was a most successful Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle,' he said.
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Tipperary man on dialysis to tackle Ring of Kerry cycle to aid of Irish Kidney Association
A 48-year-old cyclist from Templemore in County Tipperary is gearing up for the second year in a row for the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, this time while on nightly home dialysis. Francis Hogan is riding on Saturday, July 5, to raise awareness of organ failure and funds for the Irish Kidney Association via his iDonate page.
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Tipperary cyclist to tackle Ring of Kerry inspired by a relative's kidney transplant journey
Today at 05:07 This weekend, Nicola Maunsell from Clonmel, will swap her running shoes for cycling cleats as she takes on the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, raising vital funds for the Irish Kidney Association (IKA), the charity that supported a relative of hers. Nicola, a mother of two and a proud member of Clonmel Cycling Club, is taking on the 170-kilometre route around one of Ireland's most scenic landscapes inspired by her husband Declan's brother-in-law, Mike Fennessy, from Cahir, who has undergone two kidney transplants, his first more than three decades ago from a deceased donor just before he got married to Declan's sister Carmel, and the most recent was generously donated by his goddaughter and niece Katie Daughen in December 2024.
Irish Independent
21-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Gneeveguilla mom to ride Ring of Kerry Cycle in honour of deceased donor who saved her father's life
Eithne Murphy, who now lives in Castleisland, will take on the charity cycle in the same month that her father Ted received a life-changing kidney transplant at Beaumont Hospital 12 years ago. Ms Murphy, a mother of two who works at a Killarney accountancy practice, will ride the event to fundraise for the Irish Kidney Association, which supported her father after he was diagnosed with kidney failure. Ted, a former employee of Munster joinery, was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease after he began to feel extremely unwell. He presented at Mallow General Hospital before being transferred to Cork University Hospital. After a series of tests, doctors discovered Ted had been born with just one kidney – and that it was failing. He quickly progressed to dialysis treatment which he depended on to stay alive. The news came as a major shock to the whole family. 'It was such a difficult time. We had no idea anything was wrong,' Ms Murphy recalled. 'Watching him go through dialysis attending Tralee General Hospital three times a week and seeing how it affected his energy and quality of life and watching him lose weight was heartbreaking.' Now retired from his long career, Ted still resides in Gneeveguilla. He is the proud grandfather of five grandchildren, the youngest of whom, Dervila (11), was born just three months after his transplant. Ms Murphy said the family is so glad to have her father still with them. 'He's been able to watch his grandchildren – who were very young when he got sick – grow up, and we never take that for granted. The transplant gave us more time together, and we'll always be thankful for that,' she said. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Ms Murphy said she is 'so grateful' for the support the Irish Kidney Association provided her family. 'Taking part in this cycle is my way of saying thank you and honouring my dad's kidney donor and their family. It's a small gesture, to show my appreciation,' she said. She is encouraging others to support her efforts, not only to raise funds but also to spread awareness of kidney health and the importance of organ donation. 'Any support you can give would mean the world – not just to me and my family, but to so many others who rely on this incredible charity including over 2,500 dialysis patients and their families from around the country,' she explained. The Irish Kidney Association was the first charity to benefit from the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, which first ran in 1982. The charity is calling on cyclists of all levels to join the event on Saturday, July 5, to support kidney disease awareness and organ donation. Those interested in supporting Ms Murphy's fundraising efforts for the Irish Kidney Association can visit
Irish Independent
13-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Recovery Haven Kerry urges cyclists to ride in solidarity with cancer patients at Ring of Kerry
As one of the main beneficiaries of the event on July 5, Recovery Haven is tasked with recruiting hundreds of cyclists to register and, in turn, raise as much money as possible for the charity that offers free practical and psychological support to cancer patient, their families and loved ones. On Friday morning, some of the charity's staff, volunteers and special guests gathered to officially launch their recruitment drive for the prestigious fundraising cycle, where they encouraged people considering this year's event to do so for those who simply can't! PR & Marketing Officer, Marisa Reidy, explained that staff and volunteers of Recovery Haven see every day the gruelling impact that cancer has on people's lives – people who would love nothing more than to be able to set off on a bike around the Ring of Kerry. Unfortunately, because of their illness – or in some cases because they are supporting a loved one with cancer – this simply isn't an option for them. 'The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle is undoubtedly an extraordinary challenge, and we are truly in awe of each and every person who takes part and crosses the finish line,' she said. 'Equally, we have so much admiration for our clients, who are probably facing the toughest challenge of their lives. For that reason, we are humbly asking the public to sign up for Recovery Haven Kerry and help us support our clients on their uphill climb.' Registration for the event is €100, with Marisa stressing the importance of choosing 'Recovery Haven Kerry' at the initial registration stage to ensure that those funds go directly to them. Cyclists are also given an option of raising more funds via an idonate page, which is where charities can benefit most, she said. 'With so many deserving charities in the mix, we fully appreciate that people can be pulled in several directions in terms of raising funds. But while it may be a cliché, the reality is that there isn't a home, business, school, sports club or workplace in Kerry that hasn't been touched by cancer. So, our message is simple really - by choosing Recovery Haven Kerry and taking on this incredible challenge for us, you are allowing us to support hundreds of people who, for now, can only dream of taking part.' Marisa said that all funds raised through this year's cycle will go towards the expansion of the charity's outreach service to increase awareness of, and access to, services right across the county. 'With one in two people expected to get a diagnosis of cancer in their lives, we wish to ensure that those who might require our services are aware of them and can access them either in person or via remote access. This will be made possible with funding from the 2025 ROKCC.' Those wishing to register for the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle can do so directly here: or go logo onto and search in 'Events'
